Tom May

A man wears the Meze Strada headphones, which feature dark wood earcups and a metallic green frame, while looking to the side in an urban setting.

Meze's new Strada headphones look stunning, but the tuning is proving controversial

By Tom May published 28 January 26

These $800 closed-back cans are dividing reviewers.

Headphones & Earbuds

Four people stand solemnly on a stage on either side of the Doomsday Clock display during a press event for the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists.

Is the Doomsday Clock the most important design of our time?

By Tom May published 28 January 26

Can a simple piece of graphic design save the world?

Graphic Design

Three oversized, yellow papier-mâché heads with wide, staring eyes and broad, toothy grins are displayed on white pedestals against a neutral background.

What the hell is going on with the 2026 Super Bowl ads?

By Tom May published 25 January 26

I'm not sure if these brands are trolling us, or themselves.

Advertising

A woman in a bright yellow jacket stands before a desert landscape, highlighted by a dashed line selection tool and a "Object Mask" label that suggests a digital photo editing interface.

The 7 biggest barriers to learning a new skill (and how to smash through them)

By Tom May published 25 January 26

Here’s how to overcome the most common obstacles.

Why creatives need to stop making New Year's resolutions we never keep

By Tom May published 24 January 26

We all know we're kidding ourselves. So why don't we quit?

How to turn your iPhone into a dumbphone

By Tom May published 24 January 26

Because creatives need to focus more than most.

Phones & Tablets

The best places to sell design online

By Joe Foley last updated 22 January 26

Make extra cash by using the best places to sell design online.

Claudia Winkleman stands pensively between two hooded figures in a promotional shot for the reality series The Traitors.

Traitors' secrets revealed! How the hit show's atmospheric branding was created

By Tom May published 22 January 26

TQ Branding's Gareth Mapp takes us behind the scenes of creating the identity for the British reality show phenomenon.

Portfolio examples from Gabriela Namie, Amy Osburn and Sania Saleh

15 brilliant design portfolio examples, and why they work

By Tom May last updated 21 January 26

Seeking fresh design portfolio ideas? Then check out these outstanding portfolio examples.

Portfolios

An artist wears a grey hoodie and head covering while using a cardboard stencil to spray-paint an intricate, circular geometric mural onto a black brick wall.

How to beat procrastination: 6 ways to actually start that new creative hobby

By Tom May published 21 January 26

Beginning something new is often the hardest part. Here's how to avoid self-sabotage and get going.

Host Claudia Winkleman poses in front of a Scottish castle and stone fire pits, with two mysterious green-cloaked figures in the background.

The Traitors branding is murderously good. Design experts explain why

By Tom May published 20 January 26

The experts unpack what makes it so compelling.

Fed up of subscriptions? Here's the free software every digital artist needs

By Tom May published 19 January 26

As subscription costs spiral, these free tools are the antidote.

Digital Art

Two people with backpacks stand in an art gallery, viewing two large close-up paintings of cat eyes displayed on a gray cinderblock wall.

12 simple rituals to fix your creative focus in 2026

By Tom May published 18 January 26

The easy way to reclaim your attention.

InDesgin logo and alternatives including Affinity and Quark

By Tom May last updated 15 January 26

The best Adobe InDesign alternatives that don't require a subscription.

Graphic Design Software

Jessica Walsh sits in a bright yellow outfit in front of a black and white "FUTURE" poster with a city skyline visible through the windows behind her.

These are the new skills creatives are learning to save their jobs from AI

By Tom May published 15 January 26

What can we do to survive this new era?

An overview layout featuring the Onyx Boox Note Air 5C tablet displaying geometric sketches, positioned next to its black stylus and a closed rust-orange folio case.

Onyx Boox Note Air 5 C review: Could an e-ink tablet replace your notebook and iPad?

By Tom May published 13 January 26

This digital notebook promises the best of both worlds.

Phones & Tablets

Taylor Swift poses with a large group of people in front of a promotional backdrop for "The End of an Era," a Disney+ docuseries.

How Taylor Swift's documentary inspired me to change my creative approach

By Tom May published 7 January 26

The singer made me realise something important.

A white Tesla Model 3 driving along a winding mountain highway under a cloudy sky.

Second place really doesn't look good on Tesla

By Tom May published 6 January 26

Elon's company faces a complete identity crisis.

A highly detailed, vibrant illustration focusing on the bandaged head and exposed muscular anatomy of a figure surrounded by ornate laboratory equipment and flowers.

The one design trend I want to see more of in 2026

By Tom May last updated 5 January 26

The typography on these posters fills me with joy

Fonts & Typography

A cheerful, round yellow mascot with rosy cheeks giving a thumbs-up in front of a yellow background with the text "Butter baby" written above.

The most important branding tool in 2026 isn't what you think

By Tom May published 5 January 26

They're making a resurgence, and designers need to take note.

Joaquín Cuenca Abela of Freepik speaking at a conference in front of a slide reading "How are we better than AI?"

Who are you in 2026? How to update your personal brand in a post-AI landscape

By Tom May published 3 January 26

Personal branding is becoming vital, if you want to stay in work.

A woman sits at a desk, head in hands, looking at bills

Subscription fatigue is real, and 2026 will be the breaking point for artists

By Tom May published 2 January 26

Creatives are ditching expensive subs and taking back control.

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Digital Art

The joy of hangovers: why the morning after the night before is my favourite time to be creative

By Tom May published 1 January 26

It might sound weird, but I'm not alone.